The challenges to CBDs

Many city centres in the UK have been undergoing many problems that have resulted in a loss of trade and shops closing down as detailed below:The reasons below are why shoppers have started to shop more in big shopping malls like Meadowhall and retail parks on the outskirts of cities:

Shop rents were expensive: rents in the CBD are expensive so when people spent less money the shops could not afford the rents.

Less shoppers: during the recession less people went shopping so hops had less money coming in so closed down

Being outside meant shoppers could get wet: shoppers do not like this

Limited range of shops and goods: CBD offered only a limited number of goods

Rise of internet shopping: people can get goods from the comfort of their own home so do not need to spend money in CBDs

How can CBDs attract more shoppers?

There are a number of strategies as detailed below:Improved town centre signageImproved parking provisions without penalising car ownersBetter use of public open space and the promotion of a continental style café cultureMore public toiletsAn increase in Sunday trading opportunitiesLower rates to encourage new owners into empty shop unitsJoined up thinking in terms of all infrastructure and services, including public transportBuild more car parksBuild more indoor areas or cover parts of the CBDPedestrianise the high street (remove/ban cars) so people feel safer in the CBDMore CCTV to reduce crime and people will feel safe in the CBD